“We cannot stress the importance of responsible driving enough,” Gov. Beshear said. “These simulators can teach drivers how to correct mistakes virtually, within a safe environment without the potential consequences of actual crashes. I applaud the Corvette Museum for taking the lead on this safety priority.”

The one-of-a-kind theatre features numerous widescreen televisions and two driving simulators within stationary automobiles, to give the driver lifelike effects of the road. The simulators also feature the highest quality graphics and surround sound.

“The simulators will not only enhance a visitor’s experience at the National Corvette Museum, but also result in having better educated drivers on Kentucky’s roads, making them safer for everyone,” said Wendell Strode, executive director of the National Corvette Museum.

Realistic driving scenarios play out on simulated highways in urban and rural settings and in different weather conditions. As drivers maneuver the simulator, they will feel tension on the steering wheel; feel the car react to the road surface; and hear highway and vehicle sounds. The experience will include a variety of common driving tasks, taking drivers through situations involving some of the most prevalent factors in highway crashes. Visitors 16 or older to the museum in Bowling Green can participate in this educational experience.

“The National Corvette Museum continues to be a great tourist attraction for the Bowling Green area,” Tourism, Arts and Heritage Secretary Sparrow said. “The addition of the driving simulator theater makes this museum an even better attraction.”

“The National Corvette Museum has been a mainstay of our community for years, and we’re proud to support its growth and its announcement today. We congratulate and thank the Museum for bringing two simulators, which will promote safe driving, to South Central Kentucky,” said Warren County Judge Executive Michael Buchanon.

The Corvette museum received a $198,000 Transportation Enhancement award in 2007 to fund the project.

"This celebration today represents the forward-thinking nature of our community, the "Home of the Corvette." We're proud to be the home to two driving simulators at the National Corvette Museum, and we congratulate the Museum on their additions to their facility," said Bowling Green Mayor Elaine Walker.

“The simulator theater is an excellent educational addition to the National Corvette Museum as it offers a hands-on driver safety program to families and groups in a fun environment. With this being the only one of its kind in the area, it has the opportunity to make a difference in the safety of our highways as visitors and locals experience the consequences of their behavior under various driving conditions,” said Vicki Fitch, executive director of the Bowling Green Area Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Transportation Enhancements are transportation-related activities designed to strengthen the cultural, aesthetic, historic and environmental aspects